More than 300 kids from regional NSW will enjoy a free overnight camp at a sport and recreation centre these school holidays.

The NSW Office of Sport is offering the overnight camps at seven sport and recreation centres across the State.

Regional kids aged 12-15 are eligible for the program which includes all activities, meals and accommodation.

The camps feature a range of activities, including mountain biking and BMX, stand-up paddleboarding and survival skills with all activities supervised by qualified instructors. All sport and recreation centres also cater for special diets, medical conditions and allergies.

Camp dates and locations:

• Lake Burrendong: 3-5 July
• Broken Bay: 3-5 July
• Milson Island: 5-7 July
• Borambola: 5-7 July
• Lake Keepit: 5-7 July
• Point Wolonstoncroft: 10-12 July
• Berry: 10-12 July

The Holiday Break camps are funded through the Office of Regional Youth’s Children and Young People Wellbeing Recovery Initiative as part of the NSW Government’s COVID-19 Economic Recovery Strategy.

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said: “Holiday Break camps are an opportunity for kids to challenge themselves, learn new skills and have fun.

“And with camps from Borambola in the Riverina to Lake Keepit in the North West and Broken Bay on the Central Coast, we’ve got all corners of the State covered.

“So, if your kids love sport, adventure or nature, book them into one of the NSW Government’s free Holiday Break camps these school holidays.”

For further information and to register call 13 13 02 or visit: https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/holiday-break-camps

Staff and students at Forbes North Public School will be recognising the role Aboriginal Elders play within our community through a range of activities planned for our School NAIDOC week which will run from June 26th to 30th. Across all generations Elders have played, and continue to play, important roles as they share knowledge, culture, singing and dancing, land management and politics to name a few.

The week of activities begins with a smoking ceremony on Monday. On Tuesday students will take part in a range of activities including art, storytelling, games, beading and weaving, and caring for land and water activities. Students will be wearing their sporting house colours and take part in creating an image of the Aboriginal flag and Torres Strait Islander flag.

Wednesday will see all students visiting the School Kitchen to make and sample Johnny Cakes. Thursday the Forbes North Wiradjuri Choir will perform at local schools. Friday will see Forbes High School and Forbes North come together to take part in Girri-Girri sports.

Families and communities are encouraged to keep an eye on the School newsletter for information about opportunities to visit their children and take part in NAIDOC activities during the week. The newsletter can be viewed on the Schools Facebook page, online on the School website or by contacting the School 6852 2187. 

The popular Frost and Fire celebration is back at Forbes Ski Dam on Saturday 17th June.

Whilst following a similar program to previous events, this year will feature a greater range of dining options. Guests are invited to pre-order decadent grazing trays and other delicacies from various regional providers; or they can explore the amazing tastes that will be available on-site. Liquid refreshments will also be available but not available for pre-order. Pre-order food is available at the Amazing Forbes NSW website; www.amazingforbesnsw.com

Guests will be entertained from 4pm, with an impressive line-up of regional and nationally acclaimed artists and performers. Grenfell musician Belinda Day will kick off the entertainment bill, to be followed by local musical maestros Emily Pavey, Clynton Breen and Jo Stephenson back by popular demand, indee artist Birdee and the not-so-sneaky notes of Sneaky Sound System.

Fiery performances from an awe-inspiring Ice Queen and the Sydney Fire Dancers, the traditional lighting of the Frost and Fire effigy, a beautiful smoking ceremony and cultural performance by Dyagang Boys Koori Dance Group.

Forbes Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said the event was about drawing together a community and its visitors.

“It’s a great opportunity to take a step aside from the busy-ness of life, to celebrate the obstacles we have overcome in the past year and to look forward to the next,” Mayor Miller said.

“There is honestly no better way to spend an evening than around a fire bucket with a drink, food and fantastic company and thrilling live music and entertainment.”

Tickets available through 123tix.com.au. Free shuttle buses running every 20 minutes from Forbes Town Hall and Renfree Street. Tickets just $15 for adults (18 years and over), children are free.